By Jack Longo

The Dalhousie Tigers Men's Basketball team defeated the Acadia Axemen at Dalplex on Saturday night. The Tigers' win in the four-point game extended their win streak to four games and increased their lead at the top of the AUS Men's Basketball standings.

Both teams traded baskets to start the game, with Keevan Veinot (Port Williams, NS) in particular looking to get to his spots with purpose on offence for the Tigers. Veinot had eight of Dalhousie's first 10 points but Acadia matched his output, showing impressive movement off the ball to get open around the basket. After getting away from his defender, Rowan Power (Dartmouth, NS) hit an open layup, forcing Dalhousie to call a timeout down 14-12 with two and a half minutes to go in the quarter.

Neither team gave up anything easy on defence in the opening quarter as both teams shot under 50% and had multiple turnovers.

The Axemen almost had the lead heading into the second quarter but a half-court heave at the buzzer was a second too late and didn't count. As a result, Dalhousie led 19-17 after the first quarter.

Dalhousie maintained their lead in the second quarter thanks to their defence and ability in transition. The Tigers' defence was highlighted early on in the quarter thanks to blocks on back to back plays by Matthew Smith (Halifax, NS). With five minutes remaining the Tigers put on a show on the fast break, made possible by an all-out effort play on defence. Samuel Maillet (Moncton, NB) forced a steal in the Axemen's backcourt and handed it to Shamar Burrows (Nassau, Bahamas) who threw a behind-the-back pass to Veinot for a dunk through contact to fire up the home crowd.

The visitors kept the game from swinging entirely in Dalhousie's favour though as Power and Alex Muise (Bedford, NS) had 11 and eight points respectively in the first half to keep Acadia within striking distance. The Axemen continued to push the ball in transition and swing the ball around the perimeter, forcing Dalhousie's defence into rotations. Acadia had opportunities to score from outside but the shots wouldn't fall in the first half for the Axemen. Nevertheless, they were able to grind points inside and only trailed 37-30 at the halftime break.

The third quarter was a physical battle from start to finish. Plenty of fouls were called along with lots of contact going un-called. The Tigers were the team to take advantage and got to the free throw line seven times in the quarter, compared to three trips to the line for the Axemen. Thanks to their aggressive takes to the basket, Dalhousie built a large lead in the quarter and put their opponents on the back foot.

A 8-0 run from the Tigers forced Acadia to take a timeout with five minutes left in the quarter and the lead at 52-37 for Dalhousie. However, following the timeout Acadia was still unable to hit their open three's and the Tigers led 61-44 going into the fourth.

After building a lead in the third quarter, Dalhousie only had to limit Acadia's offense from finally breaking out in the fourth. Along with the Axemen's three-pointers continuing to rim out, the Tigers stayed on the front foot on offence and won the game 81-65.

Dalhousie's Keevan Veinot had 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists, and was named the Subway Player of the Game.

Alex Muise had 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists to lead the Axemen in the game.

This was the last game for both teams before the winter break.

Acadia will return to action on January 7th with a trip to Halifax to play Saint Mary's. Tip-off is at 8pm.

Dalhousie's first match after the break will also be on January 7th at 8pm when they travel to Charlottetown to play the UPEI Panthers.